Conclave elects new pope

The conclave has elected a new pope as white smoke is rising from the Sistine Chapel’s chimney, RIA Novosti writes.

The conclave involves 133 cardinals, who solemnly pledged on Wednesday evening to keep all details of the papal election secret. To be elected a new pontiff, a two-thirds majority is required. The process continues until one of the candidates receives support from at least 89 electors.

Last night, the black smoke rising from the Sistine Chapel’s chimney appeared nearly two hours late, sparking various speculations about the delay. Italian media suggested that the slow counting of votes was due to the large number of voters (115 in 2013), or that the delay was related to the lengthy ceremonial preparations for the conclave.